| The majesty of a wild animal in their | | | | of Alaska's parks and sanctuaries afford |
| natural habitat is unmatched. Animal | | | | the best chance of spotting one of these |
| watching can be a great way to catch a | | | | large brown bears. |
| glimpse of the splendor of nature. A | | | | Black Bear: May - September |
| recreational hike or a ride through | | | | The black bear has a much larger |
| scenic roadways can afford one the | | | | habitat, ranging from the Arctic Circle |
| opportunity to see many animals. It is | | | | down to Mexico. It lives in the forests |
| important to understand when and where | | | | and mountains, and like its brown bear |
| to see different animals so you are | | | | counterpart, can be spotted from late |
| prepared when you strike out on a trek | | | | spring to early fall. Northern forests |
| to spot that magnificent creature. | | | | or the Appalachian mountain range make |
| Forays into nature during late summer | | | | great areas to spot a black bear. It is |
| and early fall, August through October, | | | | active in the fall preparing for |
| are great times to catch some | | | | hibernation. This bear can often be |
| magnificent sites. | | | | spotted foraging in berry patches and |
| Moose: August - October | | | | along rivers. They are also often found |
| The moose is one of those great beasts | | | | around dump sites, or anywhere food |
| that many people set out to spot. It | | | | might be left unattended for long |
| can be seen throughout the Northern | | | | periods. The black bear is spooked |
| Hemisphere, especially in the northern, | | | | easily so observance from a distance is |
| coniferous forests. It is an | | | | the best bet. |
| awe-inspiring animal that can reach | | | | Bison/Buffalo: July - October |
| heights of 7 feet and weigh as much as | | | | Bison, or buffalo, are an endangered |
| 1,500 pounds. It is easily spotted | | | | species due to extreme hunting practices |
| during a drive along undeveloped areas | | | | during the early to mid-19th century. |
| of the highway or through scenic | | | | Most of the bison today are located in |
| roadways. They can also be spotted on | | | | Yellowstone National Park. They run |
| trips down the many waterways in New | | | | free within the park and can be seen |
| England. They like to munch on the | | | | throughout the area. Bison mate from |
| tender water plants and the ferns and | | | | July to early August and the calves are |
| young trees along clearings and | | | | born in April or May. These young bison |
| roadways. Late summer and early fall, | | | | can be seen in late spring and early |
| as the nights begin to cool, is the best | | | | summer. Bison can be seen throughout |
| time to spot these giants. Early | | | | the summer and they are easy to spot on |
| morning and dusk are common times for | | | | the prairies during late summer and |
| moose to be out and about. | | | | early fall as they get ready for winter. |
| Grizzly Bear: June - September | | | | It is important to be safe and give the |
| The grizzly bear can be seen along the | | | | animals their distance when observing |
| Western Mountain range, from Northern | | | | them. Many people have been seriously |
| California to Alaska. Alaska and | | | | injured or killed due to pushing too |
| Western Canada have a higher population | | | | close. The animals will often ignore |
| than the continental U.S. These bears | | | | watchers who keep a distance and this |
| often make their way to the coast for | | | | provides the best opportunity to see |
| the running of the salmon and can be | | | | them in their natural setting. Pack a |
| seen along many streams and rivers. | | | | lunch, put on the hiking boots, or jump |
| They can be seen from June to September | | | | in the car, and head out to watch these |
| fishing, lounging in the underbrush, or | | | | splendid creatures. |
| eating young shoots and berries. Some | | | | |